INSIDE THE FIRE.

For Razov, No Hard Feelings Toward L.a.

April 18, 1999|By Bob Foltman, Tribune Staff Writer.

It would be understandable if Ante Razov took a look at the Fire schedule and circled the dates against the Los Angeles Galaxy. It was the Galaxy that released Razov after playing the UCLA product in just six games over two seasons.

Does Razov have a score to settle with his former team? Not really.

"It's a rivalry for the Chicago Fire, not Ante Razov," he said. "I have a lot of friends over there and it's always fun to play against your friends."

Razov is doing his best to make the Galaxy at least question its decision to release him. Last season he led the Fire in scoring, and this year he leads the league with six goals and 15 points in the first four games. He had a goal and an assist in four games against Los Angeles last year.

Tough times: Even though it was 2-2 and had scored only three goals, Razov said the Galaxy can't be taken lightly.

"They've seemed somewhat lethargic," he said. "They're still a good team. They'll find their form."

That's `Mister' to you: Fire captain Peter Nowak returned to Poland early last week to check on the team he owns in the Polish second division, Aluminium Konin. Nowak hopes his second-place squad is promoted to the first division for next season. He says it's strange being an owner.

"I see both sides of it," he said. "Now when I talk to a player, I talk like an owner. It's a good experience for me."

Duty calls: There has been some talk of Nowak being recalled to the Polish national team in June for its European championship qualifier against Bulgaria. So far it's just talk, Nowak says, and will be until that talk involves Nowak and national team officials.

"There needs to be a conversation between me and national team people," he said. "We should talk about what my position will be with the team."

Nowak is a former captain of the Polish national team. He last played with them in a World Cup qualifier against England in June 1997.

Burning question: First question from Razov and fellow forward Roman Kosecki as they entered the locker room before Saturday night's game: "What's the field like?"

Both players said last week's field conditions were the worst they had ever played on.